|
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Longtime Lexington grocer Bob Slone decided in late November to move Kentucky Proud products – food products grown or processed in Kentucky – front and center. His Slone's Signature Markets in Lexington and Morehead have reaped the rewards.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture provided eye-catching signage to draw customers' attention to the new Kentucky Proud section and the wide variety of foods that fall under the Kentucky Proud banner. Now, KDA seeks to expand the program to other retailers.
Bob Slone is a believer. "The public was very positive about the section, and it showed with their purchases," said Slone. "We featured Kentucky Gift Baskets during December, and this helped increase our sales, giving us our best sales month ever."
Slone said the new Kentucky Proud display and location helped boost sales of already popular products such as WindStone Farm Blackberry Jam, Mom Blakeman's Cream Candy, Applecreek Farm Sauces and Jams, Screamin' Mimi's Salsa, Ruth Hunt Candy and Weisenberger Mill Mixes.
KDA also provided advertising assistance to help publicize the new section. "The advertising support was a great help and informed the public that we sell Kentucky Proud products," Slone said.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said that Slone's experience can be repeated throughout the Commonwealth. "Bob Slone's vision in his markets is a model for all retailers across Kentucky,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Bob took the quality items that Kentucky producers have to offer and made them his featured attraction. The sales increase he experienced shows the public is seeking out these products and recognizes that when it comes to quality, taste, and value, nothing else is close to Kentucky Proud."
To become a member of Kentucky Proud, or if you would like to add Kentucky Proud products to your retail space, contact the Kentucky Department of Agriculture via the Kentucky Proud Web site, www.kentuckyproud.com, or by phone at (502) 564-6571.
--30--
|
